A Special Match For Me - Brown

Southend United Manager Phil Brown looks ahead to Saturday's game at The Vic.

Phil Brown says he is looking forward to a return to Victoria Park this weekend when he brings his Southend United side to the north east.

The Shrimpers boss played over 200 times for Pools through the late 1970s and in to the 1980s and he’s admitted he always enjoys coming back.

“It will be a special match for me on Saturday as I go back to Hartlepool United, the first club to ever offer me a professional contract in the game,” Brown told The Southend Echo.

“I spent seven years there as a player and made more than 200 appearances for the Club as well, so it’s always nice to go back there.

“When I first joined I was still finishing my apprenticeship to become an electrician and I played on a non-contract basis.

“But, once I’d finished that, Hartlepool handed me a five-year professional contract which I was very grateful for.

“I’m looking forward to getting back up north and it’s always been quite a happy hunting ground for me, so touch wood that can continue.

“It’s a cold place at the best of times but going there in August is better than going from October onwards and there’s always been a good pitch there too, so hopefully that will also help us get a good result.”